Stretchable oil seal and method of installation

Abstract

A fluid seal made of elastomeric material for use between an external stationary member and a rotating internal member avoids use of a customary pressed steel case. The seal may be stretched over an external flange on a rotatable shaft and recover from the elongation to the designed dimension at which the seal is to operate within the external stationary member. A specially formulated elastomeric composition accommodates elongation during stretching in excess of 300%.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for applying an annular elastomeric seal over a shaft flange and onto a shaft sealing surface using an installation tool, said flange extending radially outwardly and around a shaft, said tool having an outer peripheral arcuate surface and an inner peripheral grooved portion, said method comprising: engaging said grooved portion of said tool with said flange for guiding the movement of said tool about said flange;   engaging said seal with said arcuate surface of said tool and with a peripheral portion of said flange; and   stretching said seal over said flange by pivoting said tool such that said seal is elongated at least about 100% of its unstretched length.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 which further comprises applying seal protecting means on said flange to protect said flange from damage during stretching. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said arcuate surface of said installation tool comprises a smooth arcuate surface portion for facilitating sliding movement of said seal over said tool and for preventing abrasion of said seal by said tool.